Washivore-discover Washington Agriculture!

These days when people think Washington and grapes, they normally think of wine. But did you know that Washington is also the leading producer of Concord grape juice?

Production

Between 2002 and 2012, Washington's concord grape production averaged nearly 200,000 tons each year! In 2013 Washington produced 164,050 tons of Concord grapes, of which about 11,200 tons were organic.

There are over 21,000 acres of Concord grapes in Washington!

Did you know concord grapes are considered berries?

History of Concord Grapes

The Concord grape was first cultivated in 1849 by Ephraim Wales Bull in Concord, Massachusetts. He wanted to create a grape that could withstand the colder climate of the Northeast (and the Northwest). Using the Vitis labrusca, or "fox" grape, native to the area, he planted 22,000 seedlings. After six years he finally selected a single vine he thought worth keeping and named it after his hometown. Bull's original vine still exists today in Concord!

Buying Concord Grapes

If you want to try a fresh Concord grape, timing is everything. You'll only find one during the months of September and October.

Luckily these grapes are turned into delicious products, like grape juice and jelly, within hours of being harvested, so you can enjoy the goodness of Concord grapes all year long!